John Jacob Desmond drawings of cities, 1975-1995

Collection context

Creator:
Desmond, John, 1922-2008 and Desmond, John, 1922-2008
Extent:
10 drawings
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

The collection consists of 7 ink-on-mylar and 3 ink-on-paper renderings dating from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s. The drawings are detailed aerial studies of various cityscapes, many of which were publiced as illustrations to articles Desmond wrote for the Journal of the American Institute of Architects. Cities represented includ the following: Boston, 1988 ; Bruges, 1979 ; Fontenot Cistercian Monastery, 1975 ; Dubrovnik, 1978 ; Fountains Cistercian Abbey, Northumberland, 1974 ; Machu Picchu, 1977 ; Pittsburg, 1996 ; Salzburg,Austria, 1981 ; Stow on the Wold, English Village, undated ; Washington, D.C., undated.

Biographical / historical:

John Jacob Desmond (1922-2008) was an American architect with a professional practice in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was a student of Alvar Aalto and Ralph Rapson at MIT. During his career, Desmond was very active in a design assistance program run by the American Institute of Architects, called R/UDAT (Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team). The intent of this program was to contribute design services to locations experiencing growth and other issues, to "help transform communities by developing a citizen-led vision for a better future, with implementation strategies that produce results.".

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is available for use by appointment in the Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. For further information, please email avery-drawings@library.columbia.edu.

Location of this collection:
300 Avery Hall
1172 Amsterdam Ave.
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers are encouraged to request materials at least one month in advance. You will receive an email from the department within 2-3 business days confirming your request and currently available appointment times. Requests are limited to 8 boxes per day (or equivalent), with a maximum of 5 boxes for off-site materials, 5 folders of drawings, or 5 rolls or tube boxes.
Contact:
avery-drawings@columbia.edu